A Lahore factory worker was severely assaulted, allegedly for taking a day off, which was widespread condemnation and calls for stronger work protection.

The incident took place in the Manawan area and emerged after a video was circulated on social media showing several people who beat the worker identified as Aftab.

According to the victim’s family, Aftab had taken leave from a private steel mill and worked elsewhere in a day, the angry mill owner, identified as Umar.

Aftab was allegedly beaten on Umar’s orders when he returned to help some former colleagues look for work.

Police initially said the victim had withdrawn his complaint after allegedly accepting additional payment from the employer. Aftab also informed about writing police not to pursue the case.

Later in the day, however, SP Cantonment Captain (R) Qazi Ali Raza confirmed that a formal case against Umar and three unidentified persons had been registered after public screams and a review of the incident.